Bee Vac's

John Sabat · Post by **John Sabat** » Thu May 10, 2007 1:02 am

Wally,
When the need for a bee vac use arises the first thought that comes to mind is possible cross-contamination of AFB spores from a previous extraction that may have been contaminated. Is this something that I need be concerned about?
John

Kurt Bower · Post by **Kurt Bower** » Thu May 10, 2007 5:57 am

Since a bee vac deals with bees and not comb, the transfer of spores should be minimal. And as Wally will tell you, all hives probably have some degree of AFB at any given time.
If concerned about contamination, treat with teramyacin after the bees are established in their new hive.

Kurt

Post by **Wally** » Thu May 10, 2007 9:12 am

Like Kirk says, most hives contain some amount of afb spores. Very seldom will there be an actual damaging outbreak. Also, the spores are mainly in the wax, not on the bee's bodies. There would be no more chance of spreading spores in the vac than by the drones going from one hive to another, which they do at will.

John Sabat · Post by **John Sabat** » Thu May 10, 2007 1:33 pm

Thanks, I guess I'm a bit too cautious.
John